By Ana Espino | Published on March 16, 2026 | 3 min readColorectal cancer (CRC) remains one
of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Despite advances
in surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy, survival in
metastatic disease remains limited. Therapeutic resistance, cumulative
toxicity, and tumor heterogeneity represent major clinical challenges.
In this context, interest in
traditional medicine and phytotherapeutic compounds has increased. Many
medicinal plants contain bioactive molecules capable of interacting with
signaling pathways involved in carcinogenesis. However, their true role in CRC
management remains debated due to the lack of standardization and robust
clinical validation.
This review published in 2025
provides an updated analysis of medicinal plants and natural compounds
investigated for CRC treatment, detailing their molecular mechanisms of action
and their potential translational applications.
How do plants target tumor cells?
The authors synthesize data from in
vitro, in vivo, and a limited number of clinical studies exploring
the anticancer effects of plant-derived compounds.
Among the most extensively studied
molecules are curcumin, resveratrol, epigallocatechin gallate
(EGCG) from green tea, quercetin, and berberine. These
compounds exert pleiotropic effects on tumor cells.
Several mechanisms are described.
First, the induction of apoptosis through activation of caspases and
modulation of Bcl-2/Bax proteins. Second, the inhibition of tumor cell
proliferation via negative regulation of major signaling pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin, PI3K/AKT, and MAPK. Some
compounds also modulate p53 expression, promoting cell cycle arrest.
Anti-inflammatory properties
represent another key mechanism, notably through inhibition of NF-κB signaling and reduction of pro-inflammatory
cytokines. This effect is particularly relevant in CRC, where chronic
inflammation plays a central role in tumor development and progression.
In addition, several plant extracts
have demonstrated the ability to inhibit tumor angiogenesis,
particularly by regulating VEGF expression, and to limit cell
invasion and migration by modulating matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs).
Some studies also suggest synergistic
effects with conventional chemotherapy, potentially enhancing tumor
sensitivity while reducing treatment-related toxicity. However, most available
evidence remains preclinical.
Toward evidence-based integrative
oncology
Colorectal cancer remains a major
therapeutic challenge characterized by treatment resistance and toxicity
associated with standard therapies. This review aimed to evaluate the potential
of medicinal plants as adjuvant or alternative therapeutic strategies.
Available data confirm that several
natural compounds possess biologically plausible antitumor properties,
acting on apoptosis, proliferation, inflammation, and angiogenesis. Their multimodal
mechanisms of action may represent a potential advantage in addressing
tumor heterogeneity.
However, major limitations remain: low
bioavailability of certain compounds, variability in plant extracts,
lack of standardized dosing, and the scarcity of robust randomized
clinical trials.
In the future, the rational
integration of these molecules into combined therapeutic strategies,
supported by rigorous clinical studies and optimized formulations, could pave
the way for evidence-based integrative oncology, rather than the
empirical use of phytotherapy.
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About the author – Ana Espino
PhD in Immunology, specialized in Virology
As a scientific writer, Ana is passionate about bridging the gap between research and real-world impact. With expertise in immunology, virology, oncology, and clinical studies, she makes complex science clear and accessible. Her mission: to accelerate knowledge sharing and empower evidence-based decisions through impactful communication.
